The jump from prototype to production is mostly about discipline: logging, validation, reliability, and ownership.
What changes after the demo
The prototype can be magical, but production needs repeatability. That means explicit inputs, error handling, and a clear owner for the workflow.
The best move is to keep the shape of the product simple while you harden the path underneath it.
Stabilize the system
Add observability, fallback behavior, and a way to inspect or replay failures. Then test the path with real data and real users.
Only after the workflow is stable should you widen the scope or automate more of the process.
Production readiness is usually less about big architecture and more about removing surprise from the critical path.